As a homeowner in Denver, CO, it’s important to remain vigilant against plumbing issues. However, some plumbing problems are more common than others. One example is a toilet that won’t stop running. While it may not seem serious, a running toilet can waste up to 200 gallons of water a day. Knowing what to look for and the steps to take to fix this problem is ideal for preventing water damage and high water bills.
A Broken Handle Arm
The handle on your toilet has an arm that extends into your toilet tank. That arm pulls a chain upward, which pulls the toilet’s flapper. After the tank empties, the flapper should drop back into place and pull the arm back down with it. If the handle or arm jams in place, your toilet will run continuously. If the toilet handle is not returning to its original position after a flush, move it up and down by hand a few times. If that doesn’t solve the problem, the handle may need to be repaired or replaced.
It’s beneficial to leave a toilet handle replacement to a qualified plumber. This ensures a lasting solution without risking damage to your toilet.
A Flapper Problem
Another common cause of a running toilet is a flapper that doesn’t seal. The flapper prevents water from escaping the toilet tank while the toilet is between flushes. If it doesn’t seal the tank drain completely, water will keep running into the toilet bowl. To compensate, the fill valve will remain open to try to replace the lost water. You can check for this problem by placing a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank. Wait a few hours to see if any dye appears in the toilet bowl. If it does, you are likely to have a flapper problem.
Toilet flapper replacements are available in most hardware and home improvement stores. Removing an existing flapper is a two-step process. Step one is to disconnect the chain running from the flush arm to the flapper. Then the flapper should pull right off its pivot points near the bottom of the overflow tube. Installing the new flapper involves the same two steps but in reverse.
If you find the flappers in your home’s toilets failing often, consider having your home’s water quality tested. Hard water or water with high levels of sediment can cause problems. Either of these issues can cause buildup on the flapper, preventing a proper seal. If that’s the case in your home, you may need to explore water treatment options. A filtration system can remove sediment, and a water softener can remove excess minerals.
Improper Float Level
The float in your toilet tank opens and closes the fill valve. If the float isn’t at the right starting point, it may leave the fill valve open for too long. The result is a constantly running toilet. To check for this issue, remove the toilet tank lid. Then, gently pull upward on the float. If the valve closes, the float’s position needs to be corrected.
If your toilet has a ball float at the end of a long arm, you can adjust it to see if that fixes the problem. Bend the arm to lower the ball’s starting position. This will generate additional upward pressure to close the fill valve at the right time. If you have a plastic float on the fill valve stem, you’ll find an adjustment screw attached to it. Turn the screw a few rotations to the right to lower the float. If you’re not comfortable with this process, call a professional for assistance and to avoid complications.
A Worn-Out Fill Valve Seal
Sometimes, changing the float valve position will result in failure to get the fill valve closed. This can indicate a worn-out fill valve seal. A fill valve seal is a small rubber disc located beneath the fill valve’s cap. You can purchase replacement seals at most hardware stores. A professional can quickly and affordably replace a fill valve seal. After turning off the water supply valve to your toilet, we will rotate the cap of the fill valve counterclockwise and remove it. After placing the new seal in position, the cap is replaced, and the water is turned back on. A DIY repair can damage your toilet, so calling a plumber to perform this task is optimal.
Improper Fill Valve Height
If you’ve lowered your toilet’s float as far as it will go and don’t see improvement, your fill valve may need adjustment. Most toilet fill valves come in adjustable heights to fit different toilet models. It’s crucial to set the fill valve height correctly during installation. If an incorrect installation occurred, no amount of float adjustments will fix a running toilet. Instead, it would be necessary to remove the whole fill valve and reset its height. This process requires completely emptying the toilet tank and removing the valve’s retaining nuts. Professionals know how to avoid plumbing mistakes that have the potential to flood your bathroom or damage your toilet.
A Damaged Fill Valve
It is also possible for your toilet’s fill valve to crack or suffer damage that prevents its proper operation. In that case, the valve may continue leaking water into your toilet tank even while closed. The only solution is to replace the fill valve. The process is identical to the one required to adjust the valve height. The only difference is that the new valve gets substituted during reinstallation. You can find universal replacement fill valves in most hardware stores.
High Household Water Pressure
Excessive water supply pressure can prevent a toilet fill valve from closing when it should. Of all the causes of a running toilet, this is the hardest one to diagnose yourself. If your home’s water pressure has changed, you may spot the difference while using your bathroom or kitchen faucets. Or you can try closing your toilet’s supply valve slightly. If that solves your problem, suspect high water pressure is the cause. Our plumbers can install a pressure regulator in your home to eliminate the issue. Reducing your water pressure to appropriate levels will also extend the life of your plumbing and fixtures.
Your Local Toilet Repair Experts
The fastest and most reliable way to get your running toilet fixed is to call our team here at Summit Heating, A/C, Plumbing & Electrical. We’ve served Denver homeowners since 1998 and have an impressive local reputation. We encourage you to read some of our customer reviews before you call. We offer a variety of plumbing maintenance services and can perform necessary repairs. When you need a repair for a toilet that won’t stop running in Denver, contact Summit Heating, A/C, Plumbing & Electrical immediately.
